University of Brighton students and staff take action to protect UK’s endangered hedgehogs - University of Brighton
Students and staff are getting their hands dirty – in the best possible way – to help save one of Britain’s most beloved but endangered creatures: the hedgehog.
With hedgehog numbers in the UK falling by around 75% since 2000, these prickly visitors are becoming an increasingly rare sight. But the University of Brighton is working to change that. As part of the recently relaunched Hedgehog Friendly Campus campaign, teams of students and staff are turning university green spaces into safe havens – all while gaining practical experience in conservation and ecological monitoring.
Recently, a group of volunteers gathered at the university’s Falmer campus for a hands-on hedgehog survey. Armed with tracking tunnels – simple devices lined with ink pads and paper to capture tiny paw prints – the group fanned out across campus, placing the tunnels near hedges, under bushes, and in quiet corners where hedgehogs might roam at night.
The hands-on initiative is helping the university to build a clearer picture of how many hedgehogs are living on and around its campuses at Falmer, Moulsecoomb and City – and how best to protect and boost their numbers.
As hedgehogs continue to face threats from habitat loss, road traffic, and modern landscaping, initiatives like this one are crucial. They’re also empowering, giving students real-world conservation skills and the chance to make a tangible impact on their local environment.
Carlie Hvizdash, MRes Ecology and Conservation student, said:“The Hedgehog Friendly Campus scheme has been a great opportunity to get involved in a citizen science programme focused on protecting and monitoring urban wildlife. Taking part in activities like the footprint surveys has been such a rewarding experience – it’s amazing to be part of a team making a real difference for local wildlife. Some of our projects so far have included building hedgehog houses, carrying out hedgehog hazard audits, and spreading the word about how everyone can help hedgehogs in their daily lives. It’s been a great experience so far and I’m really proud to be part of a university that’s so committed to protecting nature and supporting biodiversity.”
Posted On: 14/05/2025
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